Now Commenting On:

Pipeline Preview: Glasnow, Barnes return; LA piggyback

Two Top 100 hurlers make their season debuts while Kershaw, Urias pair up

Email

Print

Top Prospects: Glasnow, PIT 0:57

2014 MLB.com Top Prospects: Tyler Glasnow uses his height and high three-quarters delivery to throw a tough downer curveball

By Teddy Cahill
/
MLB.com |

Two pitchers ranked on MLB.com's Top 100 Prospects list are scheduled to make their season debuts in the Minors on Friday, while the Dodgers are expected to pair their current Cy Young hurler with a potential future ace in an intriguing piggyback tandem.

Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, the Pirates' No. 3 prospect and No. 26 overall, is scheduled to start for Class A Advanced Bradenton at St. Lucie. He had been held back in extended spring training due to a back injury but is now ready for the Florida State League. He broke out last season, leading all Pirates Minor Leaguers with 164 strikeouts in 111 1/3 innings at Class A West Virginia.

Right-hander Matt Barnes, the Red Sox's No. 7 prospect and No. 83 overall, will get the ball for Triple-A Pawtucket against Rochester. His start to the season was delayed by three weeks due to tenderness in his right shoulder during Spring Training. Fans can watch his first start of the season on MiLB.TV at 6:15 p.m. ET as Pawtucket takes on New Britain.

In Rancho Cucamonga, Dodgers two-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is expected to start for the Quakes and throw 55-65 pitches, bumping scheduled starter Julio Urias, L.A.'s 17-year-old No. 3 prospect, into a relief role. Kershaw has been on the disabled list since suffering a strained teres major muscle on the left side of his back in his Opening Night win in Australia. Urias is off to a bumpy start (5.40 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) in his first three appearances after impressing in Spring Training.

While Glasnow and Barnes are just beginning their seasons and Kershaw and Urias are trying to get theirs on track, Indians' No. 8 prospect Jose Ramirez is off to one of the best starts in the Minor Leagues. He is hitting .333 with eight stolen bases and has reached base safely in all 19 games he has played for Triple-A Columbus. He will look to extend that streak when the Clippers host Gwinnett at 7:15 p.m. in a game that can be seen on MiLB.TV.